Carolyn Gregory, vice president for human resources, Case Western Reserve University

HR Executive of the Year: Nonprofit
(Finalist)

In the decade since she joined Case Western Reserve University, Carolyn Gregory's "signature strength" has been a commitment to ongoing conversations to keep a pulse on the university community.

"Carolyn Gregory is one of those people who dramatically advances an organization yet never seeks credit," the nomination said.

She stepped into her role as vice president for human resources just a few months after extensive staff layoffs at Case Western Reserve were required to help reduce a nearly $19 million deficit.

Given this climate, Gregory focused on implementing and leading programs designed to assist employees, such as paid parental leave and emergency back-up child care.

Alongside this effort to support employees helped enhance morale, substantial benefit changes were met with "astonishingly little objection" thanks to advanced communications explaining the need for the changes, as well as continuing certain aspects of the prior plan that employees said were most important to them.

"This process was a powerful example of Carolyn's immense skill at navigating challenging issues in ways that all sides ultimately embrace," the nomination said.

The nomination highlights two campuswide initiatives that show her commitment to employee development.

In launching the university's wellness program in 2011, Gregory balanced the needs that it be modest in cost while drawing significant campus participation. A 2014 employee survey showed a desire for more coordinated professional development efforts. So she repurposed existing funds to hire someone into a newly-created HR position to design a high-quality Professional Development Center.

"Carolyn's contributions have helped Case Western Reserve demonstrate that it strongly values employees, treats them equitably, and at the same time makes fiscally responsible choices to help ensure the organization's sustainability," the nomination said. "In short, she makes the university a better place for everyone."

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